Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, is suffering from severe instabilities that are having a direct effect on its residents. Infrastructure in the city is crumbling due to recurring power outages, water shortages and delays with essential services. Residents and businesses are forced to deal with disruptions every day as Joburg’s problems intensify. This puts their livelihoods and quality-of-life at risk.
What are the causes of Joburg’s instability, including the issues that contribute to power outages, water shortages and delays?
Power cuts in Joburg: The crisis unfolding
The power cuts in Joburg are a growing concern
Many residents in Joburg are used to the power cuts that they experience every day. Eskom is the main culprit in the crisis of power supply, but local problems in Johannesburg exacerbate the situation. City Power, the city’s electricity utility, struggles to meet demand because of financial constraints and an old electrical grid.
Recent developments show that the problem is still far from being resolved. Eskom warned in April 2025 that it would cut off power to Johannesburg if they did not settle their outstanding debt of R4.9billion. City Power is under increasing financial pressure due to this huge debt, which makes it difficult to provide electricity on a consistent basis to its residents. Residents are frustrated by the ongoing dispute between Eskom, and Johannesburg’s City Administration.
The Impact of Joburg Residents
Consequences of frequent power outages are wide-ranging. Small and medium-sized businesses in Joburg have been forced to purchase expensive backup generators in order to continue operating. Unreliable electricity also affects residential areas. This leads to disruptions of daily routines and productivity loss, as well as increased costs.
Dada Morero is the mayor of Johannesburg and he says that efforts are made to remedy the situation. The city will face a steep battle if Eskom’s financial problems are not resolved. Morero stated in an official statement that “we are working tirelessly on stabilizing the power system and ensuring consistent supply to all residents.”
The situation is still precarious. The power crisis in Johannesburg is being highlighted by the use of load reduction to reduce overloading. This tactic continues to be used, especially in the northern suburbs.
ALSO READ: Joburg to Face a 42-Hour Water Outage: Here’s a List of Affected Areas
Joburg Water Shortages: A Deepening Crisis
Joburg Water Shortages – The Struggle for Reliable Supplies
Water shortages are a major problem in Joburg, along with power outages. Johannesburg Water, which is the city’s utility for water, faces many challenges to provide a reliable and steady water supply. This problem is made worse by the poor management of city infrastructure, illegal connections and high levels non-revenue (non-billable) water. Non-revenue water is water produced, but not billed, due to leaks or theft.
Johannesburg Water has announced that from April 23-25, 2025, there will be a 42-hour outage of water in certain parts of the city including the CBD and Newtown. This outage was necessary for the installation new pipes at the Hector Norris pump station, an important piece of the city’s water infrastructure. This temporary outage highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure a reliable and continuous supply of water for Joburg residents.
Joburg’s water shortages and their consequences
These water shortages have far-reaching consequences. Residents are not only experiencing daily water interruptions, but also low pressure in their water supply. This is especially true for the central business district and its surrounding areas. It has a severe impact on business, since access to water is vital for their operations.
The non-revenue rate of Joburg Water, which is alarmingly high at 46%, represents a serious issue that hasn’t been addressed adequately. This statistic shows the extent of infrastructure degradation, with significant losses caused by aging pipes and leaks. Johannesburg Water announced a crackdown on illegal water connections in response to the crisis. This will reduce water losses and improve service.
Johannesburg Water stated that “our primary focus is ensuring reliable access to drinking water for all residents.” The infrastructure problems and the high level of non-revenue drinking water are still major obstacles.
City officials are also unable to deliver essential services because of a R27-billion backlog for infrastructure upgrades. It is clear that as the crisis continues to worsen without significant investment in water infrastructure Joburg’s ongoing water crisis will continue.
The Service Delivery Crisis – Political Instability & Delays
The Systemic Failure of Service Delivery
Johannesburg’s service-delivery crisis is another contributor to the city’s instability. Municipal services such as waste collection, road maintenance and emergency services are increasingly delayed. Residents and businesses are under enormous pressure because of the lack of reliable services.
The situation has been made worse by the political instability in the city government. Johannesburg’s administration, with its leadership changes and disputes between political parties continuing, has struggled in providing the service level expected of a city this size and importance. Internal political disputes have diverted attention from pressing service delivery concerns, which has further exacerbated the city’s decline.
The failure of municipal departments, in addition to political instability and corruption, to perform essential functions has been a result of poor management and corruption. Crumbling infrastructures and increasing debt have exacerbated the issue, leaving residents of Johannesburg frustrated by the city’s failure to provide basic services.
Experts’ opinions on service delivery delays
Mpho Phalatse is the former mayor of Johannesburg. He believes that the leadership of the city must take action to tackle the root causes for service delivery failures. Phalatse stated in a recent interview that “more time is spent on bickering rather than doing what’s needed.” We are headed for a complete collapse unless there is a concerted attempt to fix the management and infrastructure of the city.
The failure of the city to provide reliable electricity, clean water and maintain its roads highlights systemic problems that need to be addressed. Johannesburg’s service delivery system could be further degraded without urgent intervention and long term planning.
How to Address Joburg’s Instability
Stability requires urgent action
A comprehensive, multifaceted approach will be needed to address Joburg’s instabilities. The city must address its mounting debt, as well as the power supply problems with Eskom. To be able to lead effectively, the municipal government needs to address issues such as political instability and corruption.
It is vital to invest in the rehabilitation and modernization of Johannesburg’s aged infrastructure. It is important to update power grids, replace old water pipes and improve waste management systems. The city’s infrastructure would continue to deteriorate without this investment, which would worsen the current crisis.
Government and Private Sectors Collaborate Efforts
Finding sustainable solutions will require collaboration between the government, private companies and residents. While private sector partnerships may help finance infrastructure projects, government agencies are responsible for ensuring that resources allocated are used efficiently. Residents must also be informed about the importance to reduce water and electricity wastage in order to relieve some of the strain on the system.
Johannesburg’s current instability can only be overcome by effective leadership, responsible resource management, and collaboration between the public and private sectors, according to experts.
Way Forward?
Joburg’s instability, characterized by power outages, water shortages and service delivery delays is a crisis which requires immediate attention. Infrastructure in the city is rapidly deteriorating and will not improve without significant reforms and investments. Residents and businesses have already felt the impact of these disruptions.
Johannesburg’s leaders must act swiftly and decisively in order to tackle the root causes of instability. The city can restore stability by investing in infrastructure, resolving disputes over finances, and tackling the political infighting.
ALSO READ: Johannesburg Power Outage Rescheduled for 30th of April: Here’s a List of Affected Areas
